Confidentiality of Washington University Library Records

Consistent with federal and state law and university policy,
the Washington University Libraries treat as confidential all
records that identify the library material borrowed, used, or
requested by an individual, and all other records identifying
individual library users (collectively "library records"). Except
as specified below, the Libraries will not release library
records.

Library records may be released in these circumstances:

The individual identified in a library record may request a
copy of that record from full-time circulation staff. If the
records are readily available and do not identify any other
individual, circulation staff may provide the individual with
copies of his/her own library records.

If it appears to a member of the faculty or administration
that a student may have violated School or University academic
integrity policies, that member of the faculty or administration
may request library records relevant to determining whether such
a violation has occurred by contacting the Judicial Administrator
or a school's Academic Integrity Officer (collectively, "academic
integrity officers"). If an academic integrity officer determines
that certain library records are likely to be relevant to
determining whether the student has violated academic integrity
rules, the officer shall ask the Head of Access to provide
specified records. With the authorization of an academic
integrity officer, the Head of Access shall make the records
available to the requesting member of the faculty or
administration. The library records shall remain confidential and
may be used only in connection with the academic integrity
inquiry.

Upon receipt of a court order, the Libraries must produce library records as directed by the court. Unless otherwise precluded by law, the Libraries will inform library users that their records have been accessed.

All requests for library records shall be directed to the Head
of Access (or other individual designated by the Dean). Items may
be recalled if they are needed by others. When an item is needed
urgently, full-time circulation staff shall, upon special
request, inform the borrower that another patron or library unit
needs the material.